NORTH BERWICK, Maine — Fifteen school staffers will be laid off as a result of a $578,000 budget shortfall in the school district, according to a statement posted on the MSAD60 website Friday afternoon.

The savings from these layoffs could potentially add up to $98,808.

The website states the district greatly regrets having to take these steps and laments the loss of each person.

The MSAD60 Board of Directors entered a non-public session during a meeting at Noble High School on Thursday evening to discuss labor contracts and personnel matters.

The reduction of staff being discussed has included multiple “ed tech” positions and a secretarial/clerical position at the main office. Other employees might be transitioned to other schools throughout the district.

A number of factors have contributed to the budget crunch, including expected retirement obligations and teachers taking leaves of absence.

At a Feb. 7 board meeting, Superintendent Steve Connolly noted he is in the process of offsetting some of the district's costs by freezing supply accounts and instituting a hiring freeze.

Other reductions are also anticipated, including:

■ Professional development freeze — unless already encumbered;

■ Foreign student tuition funds recouped;

■ Tuition reimbursement freeze — unless required for certification;

■ Maine Energy and Environment Program;

■ Discontinued contract savings on 2012-2013 employee costs — for example, a new hire projected last spring at $59,000 but the actual cost came in lower;

■ Closing all school buildings for the week of June 24-28;

■ Spring intramurals canceled — primarily sports and after school activities at the elementary and middle schools beginning Feb. 25;

■ Late buses Tuesday and Thursday canceled beginning March 4;

■ No before or after school homework and help block beginning March 4;

■ Reducing all educational technician hours to 7 per day beginning March 4;

■ Ending some school programs in mid-May.

There will also be a furlough day on April 18 for administration from the central office and for special education, food service, transportation, facilities and maintenance, technology and Excel workers. The district is considering implementing one additional furlough day, but the decision is being weighed against contract requirements and retirements.